Governor Willie Obiano has linked ongoing insecurity in Anambra, particularly attacks on security operatives, to the #EndSARS protests.

“The aftermath of the EndSARS protests is still fresh in our minds with the obvious rise in the crime rate following a lull in security activities,” he said.

Mr Obiano stated this while condemning attacks on police and other security agencies in the state, adding that the attacks will worsen insecurity.

“I must now condemn in its entirety the violence that is erupting in our dear state and the continued targeting and killing of members of security forces working here.

“This tendency portends grave danger for the peace and security we have worked so hard to entrench in our dear state,” he added.

Mr Obiano stated this on Sunday in Awka in his Easter Day message to the state’s residents just as he condemned the attack on Chukwuma Soludo, a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, and the abduction of Emeka Ezenwanne, the Commissioner of Public Utilities, on March 31.

Meanwhile, Mr Ezenwanne, the governor disclosed, was released on Sunday.

“I have chosen this moment to address the state since the unfortunate incident at Isuofia on March 31, wherein a town hall meeting involving Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo and youths of the town was disrupted by armed men, killing three policemen in the process.

“The gunmen also abducted the Commissioner for Public Utilities, Hon. Emeka Ezenwanne.

“I am happy to announce that the honourable commissioner is unhurt, very stable, and in good physical and mental condition; no ransom was demanded, and none paid for his release,” said the governor.

Mr Obiano also sympathised with the families of the slain policemen, saying, “To the families of the slain police officers, my heart once again goes out to you. I share in your grief and mourn with you; while I pray for the repose of the souls of the deceased, please be assured that the state government will not abandon you.

“I urge the police, military, and other security agencies in the state to continue to do their duties exceptionally, professionally, and in line with the law.”

He added, “As politics and its activities manifest in our state in the months ahead, let me urge all actors and participants to eschew violence and be mature in all dealings.”

(NAN)